Liesel Spencer

Liesel Spencer is an Associate Professor at the School of Law, Western Sydney University, where she researches public health law with specialized expertise in food security and food systems governance. She teaches Public Health Law, Comparative Law, and Torts Law, contributing to legal education while advancing policy-relevant scholarship.

Education:

• PhD in Public Health Law, University of Sydney (2020)
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Western Sydney (2013)
• Bachelor of Laws, University of Western Sydney (2005)

Dr. Spencer's research examines legal frameworks that impact public access to nutritious food, with particular focus on Australia's position as one of the few high-income countries without universal school meal programs. Her work analyzes food insecurity among vulnerable populations including children, Indigenous communities, and low-income households, connecting legal scholarship to practical policy solutions. She has served as Associate Dean (Research) from 2019-2022 and has progressed through academic ranks since joining Western Sydney University in 2007.

Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on food policy and legal frameworks, highlighting Australia's need for coordinated national strategies to address food security. Spencer's scholarship bridges legal theory with public policy application, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to ensure access to healthy food for all Australians.

Liesel Spencer has contributed to parliamentary discussions on food security, including the 2023 federal parliamentary report which made 35 recommendations for improving household food security. Her volunteer work with the Federation of Canteens in Schools (Australia) demonstrates her commitment to translating academic research into community action.